History

Madison played an important role in the creation of synchronized swimming. Madison native Katherine Curtis began experimenting with underwater swimming stunts in 1915, while a student at the University of Wisconsin. In 1916, synchronized swimming was added to the University’s physical education programming for women. She later established the Kay Curtis Modern Mermaids, which performed at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair. Read more about Curtis here: http://www.biography.com/news/inventor-synchronized-swimming

The Mad City Aqua Stars were started in 1998 by Debbie Polster at Memorial High School. Debbie had been involved with water ballet for 40 years, starting at Ridgewood Pool during the summer with her sister Leslie. Mad City Aqua Stars were born when Debbie was approached by a mother looking for a program for her daughters. Although both Debbie and Leslie have retired from active coaching, our team continues to thrive and grow with our current coaching staff.